The interest follows a day after Queen Máxima completed the first part of her training as a reservist. She was presented with her beret on Friday afternoon. The commander of the Dutch Defense Academy called her “an example for many”. According to visitors to the information day, her participation did not go unnoticed.
Máxima as a source of inspiration
“Queen Máxima has done her best to promote it, and so has Princess Amalia,” says one of those present.
Yet women are still in the minority within Defense, says Colonel Fulco Stallmann. “The more women, the better. I am happy with every woman who registers. In practice I see that they hold their own very well.”
A reservist combines a regular job or study with a military position at Defense. Reservists are trained to support the armed forces when additional personnel or specific expertise is needed. They can be deployed for security work, exercises, crisis situations and disaster relief.
There are currently more than 5,000 active reservists in the Army. Defense wants to expand that number to 12,000 over the next four years.